THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


THE  WOMAN  AND 
THE  FIDDLER 


THE  FIDDLER 


A  Play 

IN  THREE  ACTS 


By    ARNK    NORREVA.NG 

Translated  from  the  Norwegian 

BY 
MRS.  HERMAN  SANDBY 


Copyright,  1911,  by 
MRS.  HERMAN  SANDBY 


FT 


Introductory    Note 


The  music  which  accompanies  the  drama  is  based 
on  the  "slitters,"  or  dances  originated  by  the  fiddlers  of 
Norway,  who  went  about  from  valley  to  valley,  playing 
at  various  kinds  of  festivities.  The  instrument  they 
used  is  called  the  "Hardanger  fiddle,"  a  crude  violin 
having  eight  strings.  Edvard  Grieg  has  said  of  the 
tunes  that  have  been  collected  and  written  down  for  us: 
"They  are  a  blending  of  soft,  fine  gracefulness  and 
sturdy,  almost  uncouth  power.  They  are  daring  in 
their  imaginative  flight,  and  peculiarly  bizarre  and 
original,  both  as  to  melody  and  rhythm."  Of  the  fid- 
dlers themselves  many  legends  have  come  down  to  us 
in  regard  to  their  mysterious  power  to  fiddle  people  out 
of  their  senses  or  to  cause  their  absolute  disappearance. 

On  midsummer  night  the  Norwegians  still  perform 
the  ol'd  rites  symbolic  of  joy  and  triumph.  Bonfires 
are  made  on  the  tops  of  hills  and  mountains,  and  tarred 
barrels  set  ablaze  to  float  down  the  fjords.  Romantic 
beliefs  asserting  the  charm  of  trees  and  flowers  are 

still  in  vogue  among  the  peasants. 

5 


1704981 


DRAMATIS  PERSONS. 

Audis  Reen. 

Rebecca  Reen,  her  mother. 

Eyolf  and  Trygvc,  in  love  with  Audis. 

Thorild,  a  fiddler. 

Pastor  Kolb,  the  village  pastor. 

Ravna,  a  forlorn  woman. 

A  Stranger. 

Ole,  a  lonely  old  peasant. 

Hulda,  a  fortune-teller. 

Two  hunters,  a  shepherd  and  a  shepherdess,  and  other 
peasants. 

The  action  takes  place  in  Norway  in  the  middle  of 
the  last  century. 


ACT  I 


THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER 


ACT  I. 

Place:  A  mountain  valley  in  the  northern  part  of 
Norway. 

Time'.    Midsummer  night. 

Scene :  To  the  right,  the  gable  of  Ole's  hut,  with  an 
open  door.  In  the  center,  an  elder  tree  and  under  it  a 
bench.  In  the  background,  woods  and  mountains.  Sev- 
eral footpaths  lead  from  different  directions  to  the  elder 
tree.  A  shepherd's  tune  is  heard  faintly,  then  coming 
nearer.  The  shepherd  and  shepherdess  appear  and  seat 
themselves  under  the  elder  tree. 


SHEPHERDESS. 

There  is  a  mystery  about  this  tree,  for  many  loves 
have  had  their  destiny  made  known  beneath  its  crown. 
And  here  we've  stood  and  heard  the  cuckoo  call  that 
brought  us  joy !  And  here  we've  sat  and  seen  the  fairy 
king  with  all  his  retinue !  And  in  that  little  patch  of 
green  we've  seen  the  fairies  dance!  (The  cuckoo  is 

11 


12       THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER. 

heard  to  call,  "cuckoo — cuckoo — cuckoo."     The  lovers 
listen  attentively.) 

BOTH. 
Three  times  he  called! 

SHEPIIEKDESS. 
Three  years  is  long  to  wait 

SHEPHERD. 
(Kissing  her  three  times.) 

Meanwhile  'tis  good  to  love!  (They  go  arm  in  arm, 
and  their  song  grows  fainter.  As  they  disappear,  the 
melody  changes  and  is  heard  to  come  from  the  moun- 
tains. Audis  Reen  appears.  She  is  dressed  in  a  soft, 
white  gown,  open  at  the  neck,  and  has  a  thin,  white 
scarf  thrown  over  her  shoulders.  JRavna,  a  woman  of 
darlc  mien  and  wretched  appearance,  follows  her  at  a 
distance.  Audis  looks  carefully  about,  then  goes  under 
the  elder  tree.) 

AUDIS. 
(To  herself.) 

How  often  has  this  grand  old  tree  felt  its  roots 
and  fibres  vibrate  with  the  blissful  tremors  of  lovers' 
wishes  that  ran  from  its  foundation  to  the  very  top 


THE  WOMAN  A^"D  THE  FIDDLER        13 

of  its  benignant  crown!  'Tis  said  that  if  by  chance 
the  cuckoo  calls,  one's  wish  comes  true.  Ah,  if  that 
silly  bird  would  call  for  me,  I  know  how  I  would  frame 
my  heart's  desire!  I  had  a  dream!  I  dreamt  that  I 
was  on  the  mountains  with  them  both.  Then  did  we 
come  to  a  place  where  there  grew  yellow  violets  that  are 
a  symbol  of  happiness.  And  we  plucked  them  all! 
Eyolf  gave  me  his  and  Trygve  his,  until  my  hands  were 
full!  Then  I  threw  them  down  in  despair  and  cried, 
"I  love  you  both!"  And  suddenly  we  seemed  to  be 
transformed,  and  a  lovely  music  streamed  through  us! 
And  we  were  lifted  over  the  mountains  into  the  clouds ! 
And  I  awoko!  (Audis  stands  as  if  dreaming.  The 
cuckoo  calls  repeatedly.) 

Airois. 
(Her  hands  on  her  heart.) 

If  it  should  come  to  pass  that  they  confessed  their 
love  and  bid  me  choose  ?  If  there  should  be  a  joy  that 
compensates  for  all  ?  There  is  a  need  of  sacrifice ;  there 
is  no  other  road  to  peace,  I  will  not  fear,  but  go  up 
there  and  tell  them  of  my  dream.  (Audis  hastens  to 
go  toward  the  mountains.  As  she  disappears  from  sight, 
Raima  comes  forth.  She  is  older  and  wasted  with  sor- 
row.  She  watches  Audis  disdainfully.) 

RAVNA. 

(To  herself.) 

Love  gnaws  at  the  heart  till  it  has  its  way.  Poor 
child,  she  had  better  wish  herself  in  the  black  grave. 


14       THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER. 

(Ravna,  sits  under  the  elder  tree  and  sings  in  a  mourn- 
ful way.} 

They  called  it  sin,  the  sin  of  a  day, 

Sin  bowed  me  down; 
Evil  eyes  I  met,  evil  eyes  were  they, 

That  felled  me  to  the  ground. 

They  called  it  sin,  the  sin  of  love. 

The  worm  in  the  dust  has  peace ; 
They  covered  me  with  a  heap  of  dung, 

And  taunts  that  never  cease. 


I'm  not  worth  while.  All  men  jeer  at  me;  all  want 
to  get  the  best  of  me.  Yet  when  he  plays,  I  feel  a 

strange  hope,  a  longing (The  cuckoo  calls.  Ravna 

is  suddenly  transformed.)  The  cuckoo  called  and  I 
have  wished.  And  if  her  dreams  come  true,  why  should 
not  mine  ?  I'll  go  up  there  and  test  the  charm ! 

(Ravna  takes  the  path  to  the  mountains  and  disap- 
pears. The  tune  from  the  mountain  comes  nearer  and 
changes  into  a  dance.  The  peasants  in  national  cos- 
tume come  from  the  woods  and  gather  in  a  ring  dance 
under  the  elder  tree.  As  the  music  increases,  the  dance 
grows  wilder.  Hulda,  an  old  woman  with  an  ill-shaped 
body  and  a  peculiarly  wrinkled  face,  suddenly  appears, 
trying  to  stop  the  dance.) 

HITLDA. 
How  dare  you  dance  to  his  fiddle  strings? 


THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER        15 

A  YOUNG  GIEL. 
No  one  can  play  as  Thorild  does. 

A  YOUNG  MAN. 
He  plays  the  girls  straight  into  our  arms! 

AN  OLD  MAN. 

The  young  will  dance  as  long  as  there  is  heat  in  the 
blood. 

AN  OLD  WOMAN. 
His  music  has  a  strange  power 

HULDA. 
(Shrieking.} 

Cursed  be  they  who  follow  them!     (The  young  folks 
stop  dancing,  as  though  frightened  by  her  threat.) 

SEVERAL. 

Not  I not  I ? 

HULDA. 
Remember  Rudolf  Rcen !    A  year  ago  this  night 


16       THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER. 

ALL. 


Poor  Rudolf  Reen! 


HULDA. 


Remember  Kirstine,  who  died  with  his  name  on  her 
lips,  and  Gerd,  who  can't  bear  to  hear  the  tune  of  his 
fiddle.  (The  music  stops  suddenly.) 

SEVERAL. 

He's  stolen  a  hen  from  me. 

And  a  cock  from  me. 

He's  played  my  little  lamb  away. 

He's  drawn  my  bull  into  the  mountains. 

Do  you  know  who  robs  the  graves  at  night  ? 

OLE. 

(An  old  white-haired  peasant  who's  been  standing  in 
the  doorway.) 

He's  played  the  sweet  joy  into  my  life ! 


HULDA. 
(To  Ole.} 
He's  played  you  out  of  your  senses ! 


THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER        17 


(Pointing  to  the  fiddler,  who  is  seen  approaching,  fol- 
lowed by  two  hunters  and  a  crowd  of  pursuers.  The 
fiddler  is  hunchbacked,  and  has  a  small  sack  con- 
taining his  fiddle  strung  over  his  shoulder.  He  has 
large,  soulful  eyes  and  a  strong,  spiritual  counr 
tenance.) 

There  he  is !     The  fiddler !     The  fiddler ! 

(The  fiddler  runs  into  Ole's  house.  Ole  shuts  the 
door  after  him.  The  hunters  knock  Ole  down  and  enter. 
Confusion  among  the  onlookers.) 


HULDA. 

He  should  be  tarred  and  feathered,  or  made  to  dance 
like  a  bear  on  hot  irons! 

(After  a  few  moments,  the  hunters  come  out.) 

FIRST  HUNTER. 
We  can't  find  him;  he's  made  himself  invisible! 

SECOND  HUNTER. 

He's  not  inside  this  house,  unless  he's  crept  into  a 
hazel  nut! 


18       THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER. 

HULDA. 

Did  you  look  in  the  big  chest? 

FIRST  HUNTER. 

(Adjusting  something  bulky  within  his  blouse.} 
He  wasn't  there ! 

HULDA. 
(To  the  hunters.} 

You  good-for-nothings !  Can't  you  find  an  old  hunch- 
back ?  I'll  go  and  fetch  him  myself. 

SEVERAL. 

Use  your  stick,  Hulda !  (Ilulda  goes  into  the  house 
cheered  by  the  crowd.  Ole  tries  to  stop  her,  but  falls 
about  on  the  doorstep  as  though  overcome.} 

SEVERAL. 

She's  got  a  grudge  against  him.  She'll  not  catch 
him;  he's  like  an  eel,  so  quick  to  slip  away. 

HULDA. 
(Out.} 
He  must  have  crawled  out  of  the  chimney! 


THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER.        19 

SEVERAL,. 
(Looking  about.") 

Perhaps  he's  sitting  on  the  roof  as  black  as  a  crow. 
He  didn't  go  this  way  nor  that! 

A  YOUNG  GIEL. 
Just  listen,  he  is  playing  on  the  mountain ! 

ALL. 

(Listening  with  astonishment.} 
He  is  playing  on  the  mountain ! 

THE  HUNTEES. 

Off  to  the  mountains !  The  Pastor  shall  give  us  a 
nice  shilling  when  we  deliver  that  scamp  to  justice. 

HULDA. 

(To  the  hunters  as  they  go.} 
Take  care  he  does  not  play  you  to  perdition ! 

(The  hunters  laugh  and  disappear  singing  a  merry 
tune.} 


20       THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER. 

SEVERAL. 
(Looking  after  the  hunters.) 

Perchance,  they  will  never  return !    'Tis  good  they've 
their  rifles. 

HULDA. 

Hush!     Someone  is  coming!     It's   a  stranger! 

(The  Stranger  comes  in  sight.  He  is  dressed  in  black 
and  has  a  ghastly  appearance.} 

SEVERAL. 

He  looks  like  a  ghost ! 

(The  peasants  scatter  and  disappear.     Hulda  alone 
remains.} 

HULDA. 

(To  the  Stranger.} 
Who  are  you  ?    Where  do  you  come  from  ? 

THE  STEANGEB. 
(In  a  peculiarly  hollow  voice-) 

I  come  from  the  graveyard.      (Hulda  turns  away 
from  him.) 


THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER        21 

THE  STRANGER. 
(To  himself.) 

Ravna  was  not  among  them.  If  it  be  true  that  he  has 
played  her  unto  himself? 

HULDA. 

Is  it  the  fiddler  you  are  after  ? 

THE  STRANGER. 

(Looking  up   to  the   mountains.) 
For  whom  does  he  play  up  there  ? 

HULDA. 

He  plays  to  lure  them  up  into  the  mountains.  He 
tempts  them  to  the  edge  of  a  precipice.  When  they  fall 
into  the  abyss,  he  robs  their  dead  bodies.  Each  year  he 
craves  a  victim! 

THE  STRANGER. 
I  will  see  for  myself. 

HULDA. 

If  you  go  up  there  and  listen  to  his  music,  you  will 
never  return. 


22       THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLEK. 
THE  STRANGER. 

(Catching  sight  of  Ole,   who  has  succumbed  on  the 
doorstep.) 

What  ails  that  man  ? 


HULDA. 

Ole  ?  -     The  fiddler's  played  him  into  a 


trance. 

THE  STRANGER. 
(Feeling  of  Ole.) 

He's  dead! 

HTJLDA. 

Dead  -  is  he  dead  ?    How  do  you  know  -  ? 

THE  STRANGER. 

'Tis  strange  --  very  strange  -  I  will  find  him 
this  very  night,  and  know  the  secret  of  his  power.  (The 
stranger  goes  to  the  mountains.) 

HTTT.DA. 
(Viewing  the  Stranger  as  he  goes.) 

TTgh  -  ugh  -  He  is  more  than  a  grave-digger! 
This  time  the  fiddler  will  not  escape  !  I  shall  have  my 


THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER.        23 

revenge!  (Tlulda  drags  Ole  into  the  house.  A  light 
mist  begins  to  settle  in  the  valley  and  gradually  all  is 
lost  to  sight.  The  scene  changes  and  the  mountain 
peaks  are  seen  to  stand  forth  in  gorgeous  colors.  The 
music  has  changed  into  a  rhapsody.  Audis  Keen,  ex- 
alted and  radiant,  is  seen  climbing  the  highest  peak,  as 
one  drawn  by  an  irresistible  power.  A  few  steps  be- 
yond one  sees  Eyolf,  who  stands  awaiting  her.  He  is 
dressed  in  knee  breeches  and  a  soft  blouse  open  at  the 
neck,  and  lias  a  cape  flung  over  his  shoulders.  He  has 
light,  curly  hair  and  a  sensitive  face.) 


EYOLF. 
(To  himself.) 

Never  before  have  I  seen  her  as  radiant  as  to-night. 
She  looks  as  one  blessed.  She  comes  straight  to  me  as 
though  she  were  seeking  me. 

ADDIS. 
(Catching  sight  of  Eyolf  and  waving  her  scarf  to  him.) 

Eyolf you  are  here  before  me! 

EYOLF. 

(Beaching  out  to  her.) 
I  have  waited  your  coming. 


24       THE  W03JAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER. 

AUDIS. 
Where  is  Trygve? 

EYOLF. 

I  know  not.  Why  do  you  ask  for  him  ?  I  have  found 
that  lovely  spot  where  we  were  last,  when  you  promised 
to  answer  me.  (He  takes  her  hand  as  if  to  lead  her.) 

AUDIS. 

(Drawing  back.) 
Since  then  I've  built  new  mansions. 

EYOLF. 
Has  anything  happened  ?    You  look  so  strange ! 

AUDIS. 

I  had  a  dream !  (She  seats  herself  on  a  projecting 
rock  near  a  thicket.  Eyolf  seats  himself  at  her  feet  and 
looks  up  into  her  eyes.)  It  was  so  beautiful  that  I 
could  not  wake  from  it.  I  am  not  awake  yet ;  it  seems 
so  real. 

EYOLF. 

If  two  should  have  the  same  dream  at  the  same 
time,  who  corld  prove  to  them  that  it  was  not  real? 
You  must  find  that  other  who  can  share  your  dream. 


THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER.        25 

AUDIS. 

I  can  never  find  that  other;  for  one  alone  can  not 
give  me  all  I  desire.  (Eylof  starts.  Audis  answers  his 
look.}  You  ask  me  what  I  desire?  I  want  a  kind  of 
happiness ! 

EYOLF. 
A  kind  of  happiness? 

AUDIS. 

I  have  wished  for  one  moment  to  be  so  happy  that 
it  should  compensate  for  all 

EYOLF. 

To  be  so  happy  for  one  moment  ?  Do  you  know  what 
kind  of  happiness  that  is  ?  (Touching  her  shoulder  and 
looking  into  her  eyes.)  Do  you  know  what  is  going  to 
happen? 

AUDIS. 
(Rising.) 

I  have  stood  under  the  elder  tree  and  heard  tKe 

cuckoo  call.     And  I  know 1  have  wished  it  and 

willed  it. 

EYOLF. 

You  know !  (She  meets  his  burning  glance  and  looTcs 
down.)  You  are  like  a  young  tree  in  the  woods,  bend- 


26       THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER. 

ing  beneath  your  own  strength  and  grandeur.  Your 
hair  is  like  the  wind,  and  over  you  hover  dreams  that 
awaken  my  longings !  You  seem  like  a  vision ! 

AUDIS. 

(Shrinking  away  from  him.') 
You  see  me  as  you  desire;  I  am  not  so. 

EYOLF. 
(Talcing  her  hands.) 

Is  it  not  for  me  that  you  are  garbed  in  beauty,  mild 
and  trembling,  as  the  strange  light  of  this  midsummer 
night  ? 

ATTDIS. 

I  do  not  know  how  I  seem  to  you ;  I  only  know  that 
we  cannot  go  in  blindness  any  more.  We  must  awaken. 
Have  you  not  thought  of  that,  Eyolf  ? 

EYOLF. 

(Distressfully.) 

I  have  thought  till  I  can  think  no  more.  We  are 
beyond  thought.  We  have  had  the  same  dream;  it  is 
no  use  trying  to  awaken. 


THE  WOMAN"  AKD  THE  EIDDLEK.        27 
ATJDIS. 

(Closing  her  eyes  as  though  a  beautiful  feeling  ran 
through  her.} 

How  beautiful  it  is ! 

EYOLF. 
(Bending  toward  her.} 

How  beautiful  it  will  be!     (Audis  starts  as  a  large 
bird  flaps  its  wings  over  her  head.} 

AUDIS. 

(Looking  up.} 
What  was  it  that  touched  me  ? 

EYOLF. 
It  was  a  big,  black  bird  that  spread  its  wings  in  flight. 

AUDIS. 

(With  a  tremor.} 
It  is  already  out  of  sight? 


28       THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER. 

EYOLF. 
(Grasping  her  hands.) 

It  would  take  you  along.  There  comes  a  time  in  our 
life  when  we  dare  not  wait  longer.  We  must  take  the 
wild  flight  together. 

ATJDIS. 
(Anxiously.) 
Where  is  Trygve?    Answer  me,  Eyolf. 

EYOLF. 
When  he  comes,  it  will  be  soon  enough  1 

ATIDIS. 
He  cannot  come  too  soon !     (She  starts  to  go.) 

EYOI,F. 
(Deterring  her.) 

Do  not  go!  Stay  in  this  leafy  bower!  No  one  can 
hear  us ;  no  one  can  see  us.  I  will  give  you  the  joy  that 
compensates  for  all. 


THE  WOMAN  AKD  THE  FIDDLER.        29 

AUDIS. 
(Looking  up  as  she  hears  the  rustling  of  branches.) 

It  is  Trygve !    He  has  come !    Don't  you  hear  him  ? 
(Trygve  is  seen  on  the  other  side  of  the  thicket.) 

EYOLF. 
(Pleading.) 
Before  Trygve  came ? 

AUDIS. 
(With  increasing  intensity.) 

"Was  it  not  you  who  sang  his  praises  and  made  me  long 
to  love  him  ?    You  knew  beforehand  that  he  and  I 

EYOLF. 
How  did  I  dare  to  do  it  ? 

ATJDIS. 

You  gave  me  the  courage  to  love  in  a  deeper,  truer, 
freer  way  than  anyone  has  ever  loved  before, 


30       THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER. 

EYOLF. 

(Despairingly.) 
Audis,  what  say  you  ? 

AUDIS. 
(Undismayed.) 

You  said  we  should  love  as  much  and  as  many  as  it 
be  our  gift,  for  love  is  a  gift. 

EYOLF. 
A  pretty  thought  indeed ! 

AtTDIS. 

That  day  you  seemed  so  great  in  my  eyes;  all  things 
were  changed. 

EYOLF. 
Then  I  was  greater  than  I  knew. 

AUBIS. 

We  are  all  greater  than  we  ourselves  know;  greater 
than  we  want  to  be.  Our  thoughts  shame  our  feelings. 
It  is  no  use  trying  to  disown  the  gifts  of  our  hearts. 
Come,  Eyolf,  it  must  be  as  it  was  in  my  dream.  You 


THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER.        31 

will  come  ?     (Audis  goes  to  meet  Trygve.    Eyolf  looks 
after  her,  bewildered.) 


EYOLF. 
(To  himself.) 

She  goes  to  him  as  though  he  had  the  first  right.  But 
I  will  call  her  back  to  me.  I  will  build  a  fire,  love's 
fire,  and  demand  a  sacrifice !  The  leaping  flames  shall 
cast  a  spell  about  her !  I  will  woo  her  with  enchantment 
and  the  all-consuming  fire!  My  love  shall  triumph  as 
the  flame  triumphs  over  all  it  touches !  Mountains  and 
woods,  it  shall  be  your  work!  Light,  bewitching  sum- 
mer night,  it  shall  be  thy  will !  Great  midnight  sun,  it 
shall  be  the  crowning  act  of  thy  glory ! 

(Eyolf  gathers  fuel  from  the  thicket  and  builds  a  fire 
on  the  projecting  rock.  A  little  way,  beyond  and  above, 
separated  from  Eyolf  by  a  bunch  of  trees,  Trygve  and 
Audis  meet.  lie  is  dark  and  has  strongly  marked  fea- 
tures. His  manner  is  energetic  and  abrupt.  He  is 
dressed  as  a  sportsman.) 


AUDIS. 
(To  Trygve.) 

"We  have  found  each  other  at  the  right  moment, 
Trygve.  Tt  is  midnight  and  the  sun  of  night  grows  red, 
while  mortals  dream. 


32        THE  WOMAIST  AND  THE  FIDDLER. 

TjKYGVE. 

Tell  rne  what  YOU  have  dreamt  about,  these  long,  light 
summer  nights. 

AUDIS. 
(Pointing  to  the  horizon.) 

When  I  have  stood  here  and  seen  the  crimson  streak 
of  night,  fade  into  a  light  as  of  dawn,  and  the  light  of 
dawn  has  tempted  me  to  wait  for  the  new  day,  day  on 
the  other  side  of  the  mountain 

TRYGVE. 
Then  the  visions  have  come  to  you  ? 

ATJDIS. 
(With  increasing  exaltation.) 

I  have  seen  the  mountains  transform  themselves  into 
mist  and  float  away.  I  have  seen  the  heavens  open ! 

TKYGVE. 
Almost  like  a  revelation ? 

AUDIS. 

A  revelation  of  what  we  would  be,  if  our  dreams  came 
true. 


THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  TIDDLER.        33 

TEYGVE. 
This  is  the  time  for  revelations ? 

AUDIS. 

This  is  the  night  of  joy !  See  the  bonfires  on  hill's  and 
mountains!  They  are  a  symbol  of  light  and  life  over 
darkness  and  death.  All  Norway  is  making  merry. 
Trolls  and  witches  are  being  burned;  evil  powers  dis- 
tanced and  kept  in  abeyance.  This  is  the  hour  of  ful- 
fillment ! 

TEYOVE. 
You  are  filled  with  joy ! 

Airnis. 

(As  though  enchanted,  hearing  the  music  of  the  moun- 
tains.) 

I  hear  the  music!  With  trip-hammers  it  beats  into 
my  dream,  with  soft  taps  it  plays  upon  my  heart.  It  is 
a  mournful  strain  with  maddening  leaps  and  springs. 
It  makes  me  wild  with  mingled  joy  and  pain.  It  is 
the  music  of  my  dream! 

TRYGVE. 
As  though  you  were  under  a  spell? 


34       THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER. 

AUDIS. 
Eyolf,  Eyolf ,  why  are  you  not  here  ? 

TEYGVE. 
Is  it  he  you  are  waiting  for? 

AUDIS. 
(Pointing  to  the  fire  which  Eyolf  has  made.) 

See  how  those  flames  leap  high;  so  leaps  the  joy  in 
my  heart ! 

TKYGVE. 
It  is  the  fire  you  long  to  touch. 

EYOLF. 
(Calls  exultantly.) 

[All  the  fires  are  going  out!  See,  everywhere  in  the 
valley  they  are  heing  extinguished.  Only  mine,  which 
is  built  on  the  highest  peak,  is  still  burning !  What  sac- 
rifice shall  we  make,  what  sacrifice  ? 

(Eyolf  is  seen  approaching  the  others.) 


THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER        35 

AUDIS. 

(Who  stands  as  though  enthralled  by  the  sight  of  the 
flames.) 

The  smoke  is  rising  to  heaven!  And  with  it  the 
burden  of  a  joyous  sacrifice ! 

TEYGVE. 

(Suddenly  stricken  ivith  fear.) 

The  mist  has  gathered  in  the  valley.  It  is  creeping 
up  the  mountains.  We  have  gone  too  far;  these  rocks 
are  not  safe.  (Clouds  of  mist  are  seen  rolling  up  the 
mountains.) 

EYOLF. 
(To  Audis.) 

You  have  drawn  a  veil  over  our  eyes  and  led  us  into 
the  land  of  mist. 

TRYGVE. 
The  awful  peaks  tower  above  us  and  threaten  us. 

AUDIS. 

We  are  all  as  veiled  creatures ;  at  times  we  see  through 
the  mist. 


36       THE  WOMAX  AND  THE  FIDDLER. 

EYOLF. 
You  know  where  you  are  leading  us  ? 

AUDIS. 
I  could  go  in  blindness. 

TKYGVE. 
As  one  asleep,  without  taking  a  wrong  step  ? 

AUDIS. 

(Walks  toward  the  precipice,  which  is  already  dimmed 
by  the  mist.) 

As  one  awakened! 

EYOLF. 

I  see!  You  would  test  our  courage?  Then  let  me 
go  first!  (Eyolf  holds  Audis  back  and  takes  the  lead 
himself.) 

TKYGVE. 

$To,  no,  you  must  not  move!  One  step  into  the 
fleeting  mist  and  we  are  lost! 

AUDIS. 
How  beautiful  it  is  to  have  no  fear ! 


THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLEK.       .37 

EYOLF. 
(Feeling  of  her  hair  as  the  mist  thickens  around  them.) 

Audis,  you  are  covered  with  mist.  It  is  streaming 
from  your  hair  and  from  your  face.  And  your  cheeks 
are  wet  with  the  mist  of  tears. 

TRYGVE. 
(Feeling  of  her  hands.) 

The  dampness  is  creeping  into  your  warm  blood, 
chilling  your  very  soul.  Your  hands  are  cold  and  damp, 
even  your  throbbing  pulse  cannot  keep  them  warm. 

ATTDIS. 
(Evading  both.) 

Do  not  touch  me.  My  very  soul  is  passing  into  mist. 
I  am  losing  my  very  self,  vanishing  forever  from  myself, 
finding  that  which  I  love  more  than  myself. 

EYOLF. 

(Beaching  out  to  her.) 
Do  not  draw  your  hands  away  from  us ! 


38       THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER. 

AUDIS. 
(As  one  giving  up  the  very  last.) 

You  cannot  hold  me  by  my  hands.  They  must  fade 
before  you  as  the  hands  of  mist.  There  are  other  ties, 
the  intangible  ties  of  the  soul. 

EYOLF. 

(Trying  in  vain  to  reach  her.) 
To  feez  you  pass  beyond  our  reach  is  agony. 

AUDIS. 
(With  suppressed  pain.) 

It  is  well  such  moments  do  not  last,  or  the  soul  would 
break  its  bonds !  If  we  were  only  free,  free  as  we  are 
in  our  dreams  S 

EYOLF. 
No  one  shall  wake  you  from  your  beautiful  dream ! 

TEYGVE. 
If  only  you  do  not  try  to  walk  in  blindness ! 

AUDIS. 

I  must  go  on!  I  dreamt  that  we  should  walk  upon 
the  clouds,  that  we  should  stand  face  to  face  without 
concealing  the  thought  of  our  hearts. 


THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER        39 

TEYGVE. 
You  would  put  us  to  the  utmost  test  ? 

EYOLF. 
You  would  have  us  greater  than  we  are? 

AUDIS. 
(In  anguish.) 

Say  that  I  shall  not  lose  all;  because  all  is  not  pos- 
sible.   Give  me  some  token  of  faith ! 

EYOLP. 

(Bending  and  picking  some  yellow  violets  and  giving 
them  to  Audis.) 

Here  are  some  yellow  violets,  those  that  are  a  token 
of  happiness ! 

TEYGVE. 

(Also  picking  a  handful,  and  giving  them  to  Audis.) 
You  shall  also  have  a  gift  from  me. 


40        THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER. 

AUDIS. 
(Entranced.) 
And  I  will  fill  my  hands  for  both  of  you ! 

(She  takes  a  few  steps  forward  and  puts  one  foot  over 
the  precipice.  The  men  draw  her  back  just  as  she  is 
losing  her  balance.  They  stand  speechless  with  fear, 
realizing  the  danger  they  have  escaped.) 

AUDIS. 

So  near  the  abyss !  How  beautiful  to  die !  What  was 
it  that  saved  me?  (Eyolf  and  Trygve  are  still  holding 
her  hands.)  Yes,  it  was  these  hands  that  saved  me.  If 
I  should  take  a  wrong  step  they  would  not  fail  me.  My 
heart  knows  it.  It  has  come  to  pass  as  it  happened  in 
my  dream ! 

EYOLF. 
Audis,  we  love  you! 

TRYGVE. 
It  is  well  the  mist  covers  us. 

AUDIS. 

For  it  was  given  me  to  love  you  both.  What  is  it  I 
am  saying  ?  The  truth  has  broken  from  my  lips !  Would 
that  the  mist  could  hide  me  from  your  sight! 


THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER.        41 

TEYGVE. 
A  power  greater  than  ourselves  has  shaped  this  end. 

EYOLF. 
How  long  will  it  keep  us  spellbound? 

TKYGVE. 
What  mercy  does  it  dispense  ? 

AUDIS. 

We  need  no  mercy !  We  know  love's  greatness !  Fare- 
well, Eyolf !  Farewell,  Trygve !  From  henceforth  will 
I  pray  that  this  moment  may  be  an  inkling  of  the  eter- 
nity to  com,.,  that  I  may  always  feel  your  invisible 
hands!  (Audis  disappears  in  the  mist.) 

EYOLF. 

Audis,  where  are  you  ?  Beware  of  the  precipice ! 
Reach  out  your  hands  to  us,  that  we  may  hold  you 
by  the  very  thread  of  life! 

TEYGVE. 

She  is  gone,  gone,  floated  away,  as  the  mist  that  does 
not  bear  our  touch! 


42       THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER. 

EYOLF. 
Then,  by  my  life,  will  I  find  her ! 

TEYGVE. 
You  love  her  more  than  your  life  ? 

EYOLF. 

And  you,  Trygve  ?  What  right  have  you  to  love  her 
more  than  your  life  ?  It  is  well  I  cannot  see  your  fiery 
eyes,  or  I  would  long  to  quench  your  flame ! 

TEYGVE. 

Then  would  I  prove  the  right  of  the  stronger ! 

(The  men  grasp  each  other  as  if  to  wrestle.  Suddenly, 
a  shot  is  heard,  followed  ~by  a  shrieJc.  The  fiddler  is  seen 
feeing  down  the  mountain,  followed  by  the  Stranger 
in  close  pursuit.  The  men  grow  calm.  Ravna  comes  into 
view,  wringing  her  hands.) 

RAVNA. 

(Shrieks.') 

The  Stranger  has  shot  him! 

(The  mist  encloses  her  and  all  are  lost  to  sight.  A 
great  rumbling  is  heard  in  the  mountains.) 

CURTAIN. 


ACT  II 


ACT  II. 

Place:    Reen's  house. 

Time'.    Early  the  next,  morning. 

Scene :  Rebecca's  sitting  room.  The  walls  are  white, 
and  white  curtains  are  drawn  before  the  windows  and 
the  glass  door  which  leads  out  to  the  veranda,  on  the 
right.  To  the  left,  a  door  leading  into  the  garden.  In 
the  background,  an  open  door  leading  into  the  house. 
Rebecca  sits  in  a  reclining  chair,  binding  wreaths.  She 
is  robed  in  black  and  looks  very  pale  and  worn.  Her 
features  are  finely  drawn;  her  eyes  those  of  a  visionary, 
around  her  mouth  are  lines  of  bitterness  and  resignation. 
Her  movements  are  strangely  listless  and  powerless. 

REBECCA. 

(Rising  and  going  to  the  window,  drawing  the  curtains 

slightly  aside.} 

Why  does  she  not  come  ?  The  trees  stand  like  ghosts. 
How  penetrating  the  light!  (Rebecca  shudders  and 
draws  the  curtains  back.}  What  shall  I  do  ?  She's  been 
upon  the  mountain  with  them  both.  She  must  be  led  to 
choose;  and  yet  I  dare  not  bid  her  do  as  I  have  done. 
(Rebecca  looks  at  herself  in  a  mirror.}  How  awful  I 
have  grown  to  look !  How  cruel  is  the  love  that  delves 
its  way  into  the  heart  and  grows  in  secret  like  some 
poisonous  weed.  Love  that  makes  one  shudder  with 

45 


46       THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER. 

longings  that  never  die.  (Steps  are  heard  approaching. 
Audis  enters  from  the  bade  door.  She  is  humming  the 
tune  which  is  heard  from  without.  Her  hair  is  blown 
loosely  about;  her  eyes  burn  strangely;  her  scarf  is 
torn.) 

REBECCA. 
(To  Audis.) 
You've  been  out  all  night? 

ATJDIS. 
(Radiantly.') 
I've  felt  the  little  bird  sing  in  my  heart ! 

REBECCA. 
You've  loved,  T  can  see  it  in  your  eyes! 

AUDIS. 

I  have  found  something  so  beautiful  that  I  dare  not 
touch  it  for  fear  of  spoiling  it. 


You've  sinned? 


REBECCA. 
(Horrified.) 


THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER       4T 

AUDIS. 

I  am  happy,  happy!     I  am  awakened!     I  long  to 
move  in  the  dance  of  the  living !     (She  dances.) 

REBECCA. 
Do  not  dance! 

ATJDIS. 
(At  the  window.} 

Trees  that  rise  to  the  skies, 

Touching  the  sun  and  the  dew, 

What  is  it  that  runs  through  your  fibrous  stems, 

Making  you  glad? 

Trees  that  span  the  wide  heavens ! 

Come,  birds  from  the  south  and  the  west! 

What  do  they  say  of  the  story  of  men? 

Birds  of  the  skies,  how  I  wish  I  were  you ! 

REBECCA. 
(With  increasing  fear.) 

Do  not  sing!    I  hear  the  same  strain  I  heard  when 
he  died! 

ATJDIS. 

(Pulling  the  curtains  aside  and  letting  the  blue  light  of 
morning  fill  the  room.) 

Sounds  can  man  make,  and  forms,  but  never  a  dawn! 
How  wise  is  man  to  ponder  and  creep  and  fawn! 


48       THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLEK. 

If  I  were  that  little  bird  on  the  branch, 
With  the  innate  reason  to  be, 
I'd  shake  and  warble  all  day  in  the  tree, 
Ti-ri-li ti-ri-li li!      (Audis  dances.) 

REBECCA. 

He  is  playing  you  out  of  yourself.  He  ia  out 
there!  He  comes  to  accuse  me!  (A  shriek  is  heard 
from  without.  Rebecca  falls  back  in  her  reclining  chair, 
in  an  unconscious  state.) 

AtTDIS. 

(Opening  the  door  to  the  veranda.) 

Thorild!  You  are  wounded?  Come  in!  (Thorild 
enters  from  the  veranda.  His  clothes  are  spotted  with 
blood.)  You  are  shot?  (Thorild  points  to  his  breast.) 
Let  me  see !  (Thorild  talces  a  little  bird  from  his  breast 
and  gives  it  to  Audis.)  A  little  bird  you've  carried  on 
your  breast?  It  is  hurt?  (Thorild  nods  and  starts  to 

go,    Audis    stops    him.)       No no go    to    my 

father's  room.  Stay  there  till  I  come.  (Audis  points 
to  her  mother.  Thorild  nods  gratefully  and  hastens  out 
through  the  door  leading  into  the  house.  Audis  fondles 
the  little  bird.)  It  must  not  die.  I  will  keep  it  warm. 
I  will  lay  it  here.  (She  makes  a  place  for  it  on  her 
breast  by  crossing  her  scarf  and  wrapping  it  so  that  the 
bird  cannot  be  seen.  Then  she  bends  over  her  mother.) 
Why  does  she  fear  his  music?  Fear  has  clogged  her 
blood;  day  by  day  it  has  settled  upon  her  heart.  (Feels 


THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER.       49 

of  her  hands.}  How  cold  she  is !  She  is  the  snow  of  the 
peaks;  the  cold  light  of  dawn;  the  shroud  that  wraps 
itself  around  the  early  shoots  in  spring.  She  has  less 
color  and  less  warmth  than  I.  The  life-strength  is  faint 
in  her.  She  has  never  dwelt  in  the  sun. 

REBECCA. 
(Sitting  up  and  opening  her  eyes  wide.) 

What  ails  you? 

AUDIS. 

(With  her  hands  on  her  breast.) 

We  must  out  in  the  open.  We  cannot  breathe  within 
these  walls.  The  odor  of  pressed  flowers  stifles  us. 

REBECCA. 
(Pleading.) 
Do  not  go  out  to  him! 

AUDIS. 
(.4s  though  speaking  to  the  little  bird.) 

To  the  trees  that  shiver  with  joy ;  to  the  wind  that  goes 
far  and  wide,  and  fills  the  earth's  silence;  to  the  birds 
that  soar! 


50       THE  WOMA^  AND  THE  FIDDLER. 

REBECCA. 
(With  increasing  intensity.} 

You  speak  as  your  father  spoke.  It  was  a  fearful 
blow! 

AUDIS. 

A  sudden  blow  is  not  the  worst ;  but  to  deny  ourselves 
day  by  day!  Can  you  not  see,  we  sit  dead  and  dull 
within  our  barracks  awaiting  the  hour  of  death?  We 
should  live  with  a  will  against  all  hindrances.  Out 
there  are  no  tears no  sorrow ! 

REBECCA. 
(In  despair.') 

If  you  leave  me  this  day,  I  shall  lose  you  as  I  lost 
him !  Be  merciful ! 

AUDIS. 

I  will  stay ;  we  will  wait  till  we  are  strong  enough  to 
fly!  (Rebecca  feels  her  way  out,  as  one  whose  vision 
is  clouded.) 

AUDIS. 

(Her  hands  on  her  "breast.} 
Our  hearts  beat  faster  now !    It  is  with  longing- 


(The  veranda  door  is  thrown  open,  letting  a  burst  of 
sunlight  into  the  room.    Eyolf  enters.) 


THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER        51 

EYOLF. 
Audis!  come  out  into  the  sun! 

AUDIS. 

(Standing  in  the  stream  of  sunshine  from  the  open 
door.) 

Is  not  the  light  falling  in  luscious  streaks  upon  the 
mountains  ? 

EYOLF. 

(Exalted.) 
And  the  fjord  mirrors  the  sky ! 

ATJDIS. 
And  the  squirrels  leap  from  branch  to  branch ! 

EYOLF. 
And  the  birds  are  waiting  for  you ! 

AUDIS. 

(Timidly.) 
Where  is  Trygve? 


52       THE  WOMAX  AND  THE  FIDDLER. 

EYOLF. 
(As  a  cloud  passes  over  his  face.) 

Am  I  my  brother's  keeper  ?  I  have  come  to  ask  for 
that  which  is  mine. 

AUDIS. 
That  which  is  yours? 

EYOLF. 
Yes,  mine,  mine !     All  that  could  never  be  his ! 

AUDIS. 
You  want,  me  to  sin  ? 

EYOLF. 

I  will  teach  you  to  forget  by  the  sweetest  of  sins.  I 
will  crown  you  with  a  wreath  of  flowers,  and  keep  it 
ever  fresh!  (He  picJcs  up  a  wreath  and  places  it  on 
her  head.) 

AUDIS. 

(Frightened.) 
You  will  make  me  the  bride  of  death? 


THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLEK.        53 

EYOLF. 
Those  who  are  loved  do  not  die ! 

AUDIS. 

(Her  hands  on  her  breast.) 
I  have  a  fear ! 

EYOLF. 

If  you  died,  I  would  wrap  you  in  a  shroud  of  tender- 
ness, and  call  you  back  by  the  very  strength  of  my 
being ! 

AUDIS. 

And  it  would  live  ?  No,  no,  I  will  not  sin,  even  for 
love! 

EYOLF. 

One  moment  and  you  shall  be  mine!  Once  mine, 
there  can  be  no  sinning!  I  will  toil  for  you,  submit 
to  your  mandates,  fulfill  the  secrets  yon  whisper  to  my 
soul.  In  turn,  you  shall  soothe  me  by  your  purity, 
temper  me  by  your  caprice;  and  I  shall  rise  as  a  con- 
queror having  tasted  the  sweets  of  life !  Come,  you 
shall  sink  into  my  heart,  closer  than  you  ever  dreamt 
of  coming  to  another.  You  shall  dream  my  dream, 
never  awaken,  never  doubt,  never  question! 


54.       THE  WOMAIST  AND  THE  FIDDLER. 

AUDIS. 
(As  though  listening  to  music.) 

All  which  you  say,  I  have  dreamt !  If  there  were  no 
other ? 

EYOLF-. 

I  will  take  you  to  a  land  where  there  are  no  others ; 
where  all  are  strange  and  know  not  our  tongue !  Come ! 
(He  draws  Audis  to  his  breast.} 

AUDIS. 

(Freeing  herself.) 
Beware !     One  touch  and  it  would  die ! 

EYOLF. 
Have  you  no  human  longings  ? 

AUDIS. 
You  do  not  know  what  ache  I  have ! 

EYOU. 
(Mockingly.) 
Do  you  love  with  a  heart  of  marble  ? 


THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLEK.        55 

AUDIS. 
I  love  as  the  little  bird  loves ! 

EYOLF. 
(Taking  her  hands.) 

You  are  cold 

AUDIS. 

(Reproachfully. ) 
You  do  not  know  that  the  little  bird  is  dying ? 

EYOLF. 

(With  suppressed  passion.) 

You  do  not  know  how  I  long  to  crush  it  almost  to 
death 

AUDIS. 

(Listening  to  the  melody  which  is  heard  from  the  room 
above.) 

Do  you  not  hear  the  music  ?  He  is  playing  for  the 
little  bird,  to  make  it  sing,  to  give  it  strength!  Yes>,  I 
feel  it  stir it  is  not  dead 


56       THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER. 

EYOLF. 
(Also  hearing  the  music.) 

What  strange  mystery  is  yours?  If  you  practice 
black  arts,  I  will  share  them.  I  will  sacrifice  at  your 
altar !  I  will  give  you  my  soul  for  daily  bread ! 

AUDIS. 

(With  inner  realization.) 
Do  you  not  feel  the  invisible  hands  of  that  other  ? 

EYOLF. 

No 1  am  sane  to-day.    The  music  does  not  deafen 

me,  the  mist  does  not  blind  me.    I  have  come  to  free  you 

from  self-deception to  give  you  one  life,  one  love,  one 

victory ! 

(Rebecca  is  heard  to  call  "Audis"  several  times.) 

AUDIS. 

You  do  not  hear  the  sad  voice  of  this  house  of  sorrow  ? 
You  do  not  see  the  ghost  wandering  about  in  the  house 
of  dead  love  ? 

EYOLF. 

The  ghost  of  dead  love  ?  (Rebecca  is  seen  to  go  past 
the  open  door  wringing  her  hands.) 


THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER.        57 

ATTDIS. 

Think  you  not  I  have  heard  the  vain  words  and  ca- 
resses by  which  sad  hearts  try  to  cover  up  their  aches 
when  they  have  sinned  together?  Once  bound,  they 
have  not  the  strength  to  tear  themselves  apart.  Fear 
couples  them;  the  fear  of  being  alone.  Never  will  I 
bind  myself  to  one  while  there  is  yet  room  for  another 
in  my  heart.  My  poor  mother,  she  is  ill  with  memories. 
I  must  go. 

(Audis  hastens  out  of  the  hall  door.) 

EYOLF. 
(To  himself.) 

She  is  gone! What  power  has  she  to  evade  my 

touch  ?  I  felt  as  though  I  were  trying  to  catch  a  little 
bird.  I  almost  felt  her  flutter  in  my  hand.  She  is 
still  under  the  spell  of  her  enchanted  vision!  She  has 
gone  too  long  upon  the  mountains  with  the  light  of  the 
glistening  snow  in  her  eyes!  One  feels  the  power  of 
the  intangible  in  her  presence!  What  is  that  strain  I 
hear  ?  Is  it  earthly  music,  or  is  it  merely  the  echo  of 
that  which  haunts  me  ?  What  is  it  that  chills  me  ?  Is  it 
these  white  walls,  or  my  evil  premonitions?  I  feel 
as  though  a  ghost  had  clung  to  me  and  covered  me  with 
icy  kisses  i 

THE  STRANGER. 

(Showing  himself  in  the  open  veranda  door.) 
Do  you  know  if  he  is  dying? 


58        THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER. 

EYOLF. 
Of  whom  do  you  speak? 

THE  STRANGER. 
The  one  who  came  here  before  you. 

EYOLF. 
(Motioning  to  the  Stranger  to  go.} 

You  grave  digger,  begone!  There  is  no  one  here  in 
haste  to  claim  your  services.  (The  Stranger  goes.} 

EYOLF. 
(To  himself.} 

The  one  who  came  here  before  me  ?  Trygve  has  been 
here  before  me!  His  are  the  hands  that  are  chilling 
me !  I  will  find  him  and  settle  with  him,  face  to  face ! 
I  will  not  play  a  game  with  ghosts!  If  only  the  little 
bird  doesn't  die  in  this  whited  sepulchre ! 

(Eyolf  shudders  and  goes  out  by  the  door  he  came.) 

REBECCA. 
(Enters,  stands  listening,  points  to  the  room  above.) 

I  thought  I  heard  his  step  up  there,  where  no  one 
has  set  foot  since  he  died.  (Puts  her  fingers  in  her 
ears. )  That  awful  tune !  I  hear  it  even  through  muf- 


THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER        59 

fled  ears.    It  is  the  ghost  singing  to  me.    The  dead  can 
break  the  silence.    There  is  no  use  stopping  our  ears. 

AUDIS. 
(Entering,  and  seeing  her  mother's  distress.) 

If  some  poor  soul  who  had  no  other  language  tried  to 
reach  you  through  music,  would  you  have  the  heart  to 
violate  the  invisible  chords  that  span  the  gulf  between 
you  and  him  ? 

(Rebecca  looks  strangely  at  Audis  and  goes  out  si- 
lently.) 

AUDIS. 
(To  herself.) 

Could  we  only  take  all  the  dead  things  out  and  fill 
the  house  with  music,  life  and  light!  How  cruel  it  is 
to  shut  out  the  sun  !  Yes,  yes,  we  are  suffering  anguish ! 
But  soon soon we  shall  fly ! 

TKYGVE. 

(Entering  from  the  garden  door    without  knocking.) 
How  strange  you  look ! 

AUDIS. 

(With  her  hands  to  her  heart.) 
I  felt  something  throb so  strangely! 


60       THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER. 
TRYGVE. 

You  felt  my  coining  ?  You  felt  the  throb  of  my  heart 
in  your  own? 

AUDIS. 
(As  if  to  herself.) 

So  wonderful ! It  seemed  to  beat  in  unison  with 

mine! 

TRYGVE. 

Ah!  That  is  the  mere  inkling  of  love!  Imagine 
one  upon  your  breast,  drawing  the  red  flame  from  your 
heart ! 

AUDIS. 

(Beside  herself  with  inward  pain.) 
So  does  it  burn struggling  to  free  itself. 

TRYGVE. 
(Passionately.'} 

Trembling  with  the  great  shaking  sensation  of  new 
life! 

AUDIS. 

(Evading  him  as  he  approaches  her.) 
Fluttering  between  life  and  death ! 


THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER        61 

TRYGVE. 

(As  one  painting  visions.} 
Filling  you  with  stars;  lifting  you  over  the  moun- 

ATTDIS. 

(Also  seeing  visions.) 
Yes,  yes,  over  the  mountains ! 

TRYGVE. 


Fleeing  away  from  that  other  into  the  wilds- 
opening  the  flood  gates  of  joy ! 


AITDIS. 
I  know  how  it  would  sing! 

TRYGVE. 
Sing  in  my  very  heart ! 

ATTDIS. 
No — no — it  would  break  away  from  your  heart. 


62       THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER. 

TEYGVE. 
You  are  still  thinking  of  him  ? 

AITDIS. 
(In  despair.} 

I  am  dreaming dreaming !     Trygve,  you  do 

not  know  what  I  have  upon  my  heart  ? 

TRYGVE. 

We  have  stood  on  the  borderland  of  the  unknown. 
We  have  tried  to  fathom  the  unfathomable,  to  speak 
the  inexpressible.  We  have  felt  the  same  blind  long- 
ings, the  same  pitiable  incompleteness.  We  have 

lied lied  against  the  warm  blood,  against  the  flame 

that  is  eating  our  hearts  to  the  core ! 

ATTDIS. 

We  must  up  again  to  the  mountains !  We  cannot  live 
down  here. 

TEYGVE. 

Men  do  not  go  upon  the  mountains  to  live,  but  to  die. 
As  long  as  there  is  strength  in  these  hands  they  shall 
draw  you  back  to  earth.  I  will  make  you  my  captive 
queen,  and  teach  you  love's  humility.  (Trygve  takes 
a  wreath  and  places  it  on  her  head.) 


THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER.        63 

AUDIS 
(Tearing  it  off.) 

Why  do  you  cover  me  with  false  flowers  ?    These  flow- 
ers are  for  the  dead ! 

TRYGVE. 
We  do  not  die  so  easily. 

AUDIS. 
But  the  beautiful  love  dies  that  has  only  one  life ! 

TRYGVE. 
(Bitterly.) 

You  say  that  love  is  dead  which  was  to  prove  that 
love  can  never  die? 

AUDIS. 
(With  inward  pain.) 

I  do  not  know 1  dare  not  think 1  dare  not 

feel but  I  would  give  my  life  to  save  the  little 

bird ! 


64:       THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER. 

TRYGVE. 

Then  come  into  the  sun!  (He  -flings  the  door  open 
to  the  veranda.} 

ATTDIS. 

(Her   hand   over  her   eyes.} 
We  cannot  bear  the  light  just  now 

TRYGVE. 
You're  ill  with  love? 

AUDIS. 
Its  wings  are  closed;  I  fear  'twill  die! 

TRYGVE. 

Hah — hah ! —  You'll  see  how  it  will  fly,  if  you  but 
let  it  free!  (Trygve  goes  out  disdainfully.) 

AUDIS. 
(To  herself.) 

To  go  with  this  thing  half  alive,  half  dead,  upon  my 
breast?  And  this  thing  in  my  heart?  I  will  get  a 
mark  on  my  brow  like  those  who  go  with  a  hungry  love 
eating  their  hearts  to  the  core! 


THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER.        65 

REBECCA. 

(Enters,  wringing  her  hands.) 
My  child,  my  happiness ! You  have  resigned  ? 

ATJDIS. 
I've  died  a  kind  of  death ! 

REBECCA. 
There's  no  sin  greater  than  a  sinful  love. 

AUDIS. 
(With  a  far-away  look.) 

I  thought  it  was  the  bidding  of  Him  who  made  the 
mountains  and  the  music,  that  we  should  love 

REBECCA. 
(With  horror.) 

Do  not  picture  to  me  the  visions  of  love,  the  music 
and  the  upltftings !  One  day  you  will  fall  to  earth  and 
lie  bruised  and  bleeding 


66       THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER 

AUDIS. 
No no not  I but  the  little  bird! 

REBECCA. 

(Startled.) 
The  little  bird  ? 

AUDIS. 

(With  unutterable  pain.} 
Yes,  I  must  go  and  bury  one  thing  beautiful ! 

CURTAIL. 


ACT  III 


ACT  III. 

Time:   Afternoon  of  the  same  day. 

Place:  The  valley  and  Ole's  house.  The  peasants 
stand  outside  and  talk  in  hushed  voices.  Music  and 
church  bells  are  heard  in  the  distance.  The  wind  sighs 
softly  in  the  trees,  and  a  light  mist  hangs  over  the 
mountains. 

SEVEBAL. 
(Exclaiming.) 

Ole's  money  is  stolen! 

Who  has  robbed  the  dead? 

There  is  nothing  left  for  his  burial. 

HULDA. 

When  I  came  in  the  chest  was  open.  The  fiddler  had 
been  there  before  me. 

ALL. 

The  fiddler  must  have  taken  it! 

(The  two  hunters  appear  singing.  They  are  drunk 
and  carry  swords  instead  of  rifles.) 


70       THE  WOMAN  AXD  THE  FIDDLER. 

SEVERAL. 

(To  the  hunters.} 

Hush !    Don't  you  know  there  lies  one  dead  within ! 

FlEST    HUNTER. 

We  just  escaped  with  our  lives. 

SEVERAL. 

Why  do  you  carry  swords  ?    Are  you  going  to  serve 
the  king? 

FIRST  HUNTER. 
Our  rifles  were  stolen (hie).     We  fell  ?  sleep. 

SEVERAL. 
Where  were  you1  when  you  fell  asleep  ? 

FIRST  HUNTER. 
I  was  with  Lise  under  the  coverlet.     (Laughter.} 

SECOND  HUNTER. 

We  were  on  the  mountain.    He  had  played  sun  and 
moon  out  of  their  course. 


THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER.        Tl 
FIRST  HUNTER. 

We  searched  for  our  rifles  and,  instead,  we  found 
this  knapsack!  Here  you  shall  see!  (Opens  the  sack 
and  takes  out  the  contents.) 

ALL. 

A  key!  (The  key  is  passed  around  among  the  by- 
standers.) 

SEVERAL. 

It  is  the  key  to  Reen's  house.  It  was  lost  the  day 
Rudolf  Reen  died.  The  widow  lias  searched  for  it. 

SECOND  HUNTER. 
And  this  blood-spotted  knife! 

SEVERAL. 

Rudolf  Reen's  knife!  The  fiddler  has  stolen  that, 
too! 

FIRST  HUNTER. 
And  these  are  his  fiddle  strings! 


72        THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER 

SEVERAL. 

There  is  a  real  silver  string  among  them.  That  is 
surely  the  one  he  uses  to  play  us  out  of  our  senses. 

SECOND  HUNTER. 
(Emptying  the  bag.) 

And  what's  that? 

Aix. 

A  picture !  The  picture  of  Audis  Eeen !  Then  it  is 
true !  He  loves  her  ?  We've  heard  him  play  in  Reen's 
house  this  day!  (Ravna,  as  though  overcome  by  the 
news,  leans  against  the  elder  tree;  moans  and  wrings 
her  hands.)  Worse  things  are  done  within  the  walls  of 
those  fine  houses  than  all  we  do  in  our  wildness.  All  to 
Reen's  house !  It  is  time  the  widow  opened  her  doors. 
The  daughter  shall  answer  for  her  sins.  The  pastor 
shall  hold  her  to  account.  Ole's  death  shall  be  avenged 
this  day!  (The  peasants  scatter  with  threats  and  ex- 
clamations.} 

FIRST  HTJNTER. 
Let's  go  in  and  slake  our  thirst. 

SECOND  HTJNTEB. 

And  drink  the  dead  man's  toast.  (They  go  swagger- 
ing into  the  house.) 


THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLEK.        73 

RAVNA. 

(Beside  herself.) 
She's  taken  him ! 

EYOLF. 

(Who  has  been  standing  in  the  background.) 
What  is  it  you  say '? 

RAVNA. 
She  is  a  pretty  bird  and  sings  to  make  him  play ! 

EYOLF. 

You  speak  of  the  fiddler?     (Eavna  nods.) 
(The  hunters  come  stumbling  out  of  the  house,  throw- 
ing their  beer  jugs'  away  from  them.) 

FIRST  HUNTEK. 
Did  you  see  it  moving  over  there  by  the  chimney  ? 

SECOND  HUNTER. 
I  heard  it  gnawing  at  the  coffin. 

EYOL.F. 

(Indignantly.) 
Did  you  get  your  fill? 


74       THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLEK. 

FIRST  HUNTEE. 
(Singing.") 

Brown  at  the  bottom,  white  at  the  top;  I  got  enough 
to  lighten  the  crop. 

EYOLF. 

(To  the  Second  Hunter.) 
Show  me  your  swords ! 

SECOND  HUNTEE. 
His  blood  shall  flow !    We'll  tap  his  heart ! 

KAVNA. 
(Shrieking.) 

They'll  kill   him!     Oh,   spare  him,   God;   he's  in- 
noceiit ! 

(She  goes  wringing  her  hands.) 

EYOLF. 
(To  the  hunters.) 

You  wretched  beasts,  give  me  your  swords,  or  I  will 
set  the  fiddler  on  your  track! 


THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER        Y5 

BOTH. 

(Giving  up  their  swords  and  trembling  ivith  fear.) 
Have  mercy!     We  have  just  escaped 

EYOLF. 
Pack  off  and  keep  your  peace! 

(The  hunters  bow  numbly  and  go  singing,  arm  in 
arm.) 

EYOLF. 

(To  himself,  as  he  draws  the  swords  from  their  scab- 
bards.) 

What  grand  old  weapons!  If  one  could  settle  with 
love  or  settle  with  life!  Make  life  a  sport — form  it, 
shape  it,  make  holiday  with  the  travail  of  our  bondage ! 
But  we  are  slaves  to  nature's  will;  all  our  resistance 
fades  before  the  great  flame !  There  is  a  destiny ! 

TRYGVE. 
(Appears.) 
How  like  a  young  king  you  look! 


76       THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER. 

EYOLF. 
'Twas  always  you  who  played  the  king. 

TKYGVE. 
(With  irony.) 
And  you  my  faithful  earl ! 

EYOLF. 
(Bitterly.) 
Yes,  yes,  I  played  for  you  to  win! 

TRYGVE. 
We  never  cease  to  play! 

EYOLF. 
But  if  one's  play  be  false? 

TRYGVE. 
Does  love  ask  whether  it  be  true  or  false  ? 

EYOLF. 
You  have  the  sportsman's  lust,  but  not  his  honor? 


THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLEK.        Y7 

TBYGVE. 

Friendship  is  built  on  honor;  love  has  no  compunc- 
tion. What  honor  does  she  ask,  who  has  refined  love's 
torture  and  by  her  woman's  subtlety  made  us  slaves 
against  our  will  ? 

EYOLF. 

You  break  the  laws  of  honor  and  of  trust  as  lightly 
as  of  love ! 

TKYGVE. 
I'd  break  the  laws  from  oldest  time  to  have  my  way ! 

EYOLF. 
Then  let  us  play !    Let's  have  the  final  jest ! 

TKYGVE. 
(Taking  one  of  the  swords  offered  him.) 

I'll  be  the  king  and  you  my  faithless  earl !  The  one 
who  wins  shall  carry  off  the  princess  on  a  snow-white 
horse ! 

EYOLF. 

(With  feigned  amusement.) 
This  sword  is  blunt;  'twill  be  a  mockery! 

(They  take  position  and  begin  to  fence.  Eyolf  suc- 
ceeds in  knocking  the  sword  out  of  Trygve's  hand.) 


78       THE  WOMA^"  AND  THE  FIDDLER. 

TEYGVE. 
(Enraged.} 

Your  smile  undoes  me  quite.  You're  gentle  as  a 
woman.  !No  more  in  jest!  Take  care!  (They  fence 
earnestly;  Trygve  is  about  to  striJce  Eyolf,  when  Eavna 
appears  as  one  crazed.) 

RAVNA. 
(To  the  men.) 

I've  seen  the  blood  spots  on  the  window  sill.  He's 
been  there  every  night.  The  key  unto  the  house  is 
worn  with  use.  (She  sinks  down  on  the  bench  and 
moans.) 

EYOLF. 
(To  Ravna.) 
You  speak  about  the  fiddler  still? 

TRYGVE. 
There  is  a  secret  vault  where  she  will  bury  him ! 

EYOLF. 
Such   rumors   are   afloat? 


THE  WOMAN  AKD  THE  FIDDLER.        79 

RAVNA. 
She  gave  me  hope ;  she's  felled  me  to  the  ground. 

EYOLF. 
She  mixes  truth  and  fantasy! 

TRYGVE. 
Here  is  some  mystery! 

EYOLF. 
I'd  rather  see  her  dead  than  lose  her,  living! 

TRYGVE. 
And  better  yours,  than  in  a  cripple's  arms ! 

EYOLF. 
(To  .Raima.) 
"We  will  return  the  fiddler  to  your  arms  this  very  day ! 

TRYGVB. 

We  will  deliver  him  from  passion's  sway! 
(Eyolf  and  Trygve  hasten  away.} 


80       THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER. 
RAVNA. 

(Feeling  about  the  trunk  of  the  elder  tree.) 

Round,  around,  into  a  mesh,  run  the  threads,  the 
wishing  threads !  When  one  breaks  off,  a  soul  must  die ! 

Here  did  she  cut  me  off right  here!     Her  thread 

goes  on ;  her  wish  comes  true !  Could  I  but  find  a  rope, 
a  long,  strong  rope  to  bear  my  wish !  I'd  bind  a  knot  for 
him  and  me!  (She  goes  searching  for  a  rope  and  is 
heard  to  sing ;) 

They  called  it  sin,  the  sin  of  a  day, 

Sin  bowed  me  down; 
Evil  eyes  I  met,  evil  eyes  were  they, 

That  felled  me  to  the  ground ! 

(As  she  disappears,  the  Pastor  appears  dressed  in  the 
"black  surplice  gown  ordained  by  the  church.  He  has  a 
shrewd,  worldly  face,  with  traces  of  religious  fanati- 
cism, and  a  sanctimonious,  rather  self-satisfied  air.) 

THE  PASTOE. 
(To  himself.) 

Where  are  the  peasants?  Why  have  they  not  gath- 
ered here  for  the  service  ?  How  great  is  my  task ! 
The  curse  of  superstition  rests  upon  them  all.  Miser- 
able souls  that  cry  for  new  miracles!  Already  they 
have  turned  from  me  to  welcome  a  stranger  who  talks 


THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER        81 

to  them  in  parables.  Yet,  when  he  came  and  asked  to 
dig  the  graves,  he  would  not  make  avowal  of  his  faith. 
(The  pastor  stands  pondering.)  His  face  haunts 

me! If  it  should  be (The  pastor  wipes  the 

perspiration  from  his  brow.) 

REBECCA. 

(Appears,  greatly  alarmed.) 
Who  is  that  stranger,  Pastor  ? 

THE  PASTOK. 

I  do  not  know  for  certain,  Rebecca.  But  I  have  a 
suspicion.  You  remember  my  brother?  (Rebecca 
nods.)  When  he  disappeared  people  thought  it  was  to 
escape  from  a  wild  woman's  love! 

REBECCA. 
Yes,  poor  Ravna ! 

THE  PASTOR. 

It  was  not  she,  but  I  who  drove  him  away.  I  feared 
him;  for,  with  all  his  failings,  he  was  my  superior. 
He  was  a  gifted  preacher  and  had  a  hold  upon  the 
peasants  that  I  could  never  get.  I  have  longed  to  call 
him  back.  If  it  should  be ? 


82       THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLEE. 
REBECCA. 

All  day  he  has  stood  outside  our  house  and  watched. 
Some  say  that  he  suspects  the  fiddler 

THE  PASTOR. 
Have  you  not  heard  the  rumors  ? 

REBECCA. 
(With  anguish.) 

Since  Rudolf's  death,  the  fiddler  has  been  unjustly 
blamed  for  all  that  has  happened  in  the  village. 

THE  PASTOR. 
(Astonished.') 

Is  it  possible  that  you  would  plead  his  cause,  Re- 
becca? 


Yes,  Pastor!  I  can  no  longer  dwell  alone  with  the 
gruesome  secret.  I  know  him  to  be  innocent.  I  had 
not  the  strength  to  confess  at  the  time;  I  feared  that 

Rudolf  would  not  get  a  holy  burial.     Read  this his 

last  words!     (Rebecca  gives  the  Pastor  a  letter  which 
he  reads  in  silence.) 


THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER        83 

THE  PASTOR. 
That  scamp !    He's  never  said  a  word  in  his  defence. 

REBECCA. 
To  save  my  child  from  knowing ! 

THE  PASTOR. 

This  proves  to  me  what  I  have  feared!  He  loves 
her  and  she  is  under  his  thraldom ! 

REBECCA. 
(In  despair.} 
No — no —  Pastor do  not  say ! 

THE  PASTOR. 

You,  yourself,  Rebecca,  have  felt  that  strange  draw- 
ing to  another  ? 

REBECCA. 
(Falteringly.) 

I  did  not  understand  until  it  was  too  late.  They 
brought  him  home,  and  I  was  left  to  seek  forgiveness 
from  the  dead ! 


84:       THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER. 

THE  PASTOB. 

Evil  spirits  have  filled  your  house;  you  have  seen 
ghosts  come  and  go ! 

REBECCA. 

I  have  had  no  peace!  I  can  no  longer  dwell  under 
the  great  shadow.  I  must  confess  to  all!  I  must  be 
free! 

THE  PASTOR. 

Not  a  word  of  this  to  the  peasants,  Rebecca.  We 
must  keep  the  truth  concealed  from  them,  which  they 
cannot  understand;  or  they  will  grow  to  doubt  us  who 
should  lead  them  on  the  righteous  path.  Too  long  have 
they  kicked  their  heels  to  his  impish  tunes.  It  is  time 
he  was  caught  and  punished. 

REBECCA. 
Be  merciful !    Consider  the  wrong  he  has  borne ! 

THE  PASTOK. 

Have  an  eye  to  your  daughter,  Rebecca.  If  it  isn't 
already  too  late!  (The  Pastor  goes.) 

REBECCA. 
(To  herself.) 

Could  it  be? Has  he  counted  on  his  reward? 

No — no no — no !    I  thought  I  heard  him  play- 


THE  WOMAN"  AND  THE  FIDDLER        85 

ing  this  morning;  Audis  said  it  was  the  wind  singing 
in  the  trees!  The  peasants  suspect  her!  There 
is  a  thraldom  in  his  music !  They  are  shouting !  They 
have  found  him !  They  will  kill  him !  (Rebecca  stands 
horrified  as  she  sees  the  fiddler  rushing  by  followed  by 
the  peasants  in  close  pursuit.) 

ATJDIS. 
(Appears;  cries  to  her  mother.) 

They  accuse  him  of  having  murdered  my  father. 
He  does  not  deny  it. 

ItEBECCA. 

I  know  that  he  is  innocent. 
AUDIS. 
You  know  it?     You  can  save  him? 

REBECCA. 
I  dare  not ! 

AUDIS. 

(As  Thorild  is  seen  dodging  the  blows  of  the  peasants.) 
The  blood  is  dripping  from  his  cheek. 


86       THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER. 

REBECCA. 
(With  remorse.) 
It  drips  in  my  heart. 

AUDIS. 
(As  the  noise  and  confusion  subside.) 

He  lias  escaped!     Now  you  must  speak! 

REBECCA. 

(Looking  reproachfully  at  Audis.) 
People  say  what  I  dare  not  repeat* 

AUDIS. 
(Silencing  her  mother.) 

The  babble  that  men  make  sounds  to  me  as  though  I 
were  listening  outside  of  closed  doors,  where  many  speak 
at  once.  Why  has  he  borne  this  false  accusation  ? 

REBECCA. 
(In  anguish.) 
For  love  of  you to  spare  you ! 


THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER.        87 

ATJDIS. 
(Suddenly  transformed.} 

For  love  of  me? 

REBECCA. 

(As  the  peasants  appear.) 

Come  away !  Do  not  let  the  peasants  see  you.  They 
will  mock  us. 

ATJDIS. 

The  purest  things  we  feel  are  spoiled  by  the  judg- 
ment of  men. 

REBECCA. 

(Greatly   disturbed  as  the   peasants  gather  around.) 
They  look  at  us  with  evil  eyes. 

AITDIS. 
I  will  speak  to  them ;  I  will  proclaim  his  innocence ! 

REBECCA. 

No — no!  Wait!  I  will  call  the  Pastor!  (Rebecca 
hastens  away.  The  peasants  throng  closely  around 
Audis,  murmuring  threats  and  accusations.) 


88       THE  WOMAN  AKD  THE  FIDDLER. 
SEVERAL. 

You  have  had  the  fiddler  in  your  house!  He  who 
killed  your  father !  You  have  helped  him  escape  from 
justice !  You  do  not  even  mourn  your  father's  death ! 
Speak,  speak !  Why  don't  you  speak  ? 

ATTDIS. 

(Mounts  the  bench  in  order  to  avoid  contact  with  the 
peasants,  who  are  curious  to  look  into  her  /ace.) 

Did  I  not  mourn  my  father's  death?  You  saw  me 
follow  him  to  the  grave  ?  I  watched  over  him  through 
the  long,  dark  winter. 

SEVERAL. 
Before  the  year  was  out,  you  danced ! 

AUDIS, 

Is  it  only  a  year  ?  Yes,  yes,  I  remember !  The  dark- 
ness lay  as  a  heavy  hand  upon  my  heart.  The  firs 
had  no  solace,  topping  each  other  against  the  gray  sky. 
The  fjord  was  bound  with  ice,  the  rills  and  brooks 
hemmed  in,  the  trees  breathless ! 

SEVERAL 
'And  then and  then what  did  you  do  ? 


THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER        89 

AUDIS. 

Everything  was  so  still  I  almost  ceased  to  sorrow. 
The  trees  were  clad  in  crystals;  they  seemed  to  sing 
a  chant  of  the  mysterious;  of  those  that  are  no  more; 
of  those  that  are  to  come ;  of  the  passing  of  eternity ! 

SEVERAL. 
And  you  forgot  your  father  ? 

AUDIS. 

I  wandered  noiselessly  through  the  forest  and  longed 
to  touch  the  wild  things.  Then,  all  at  once,  I  heard  a 
strain,  as  though  the  ice-bound  land  were  breaking  the 
bonds  of  death,  arising  out  of  the  grave,  to  the  feast  of 
the  living!  (Music  is  heard  from  the  mountains.') 

ALL. 

(Excitedly.') 
It  was  the  fiddler  who  played ! 

AUDIS. 
Now,  first,  do  I  understand  what  he  played! 

ALL. 

He  murdered  your  father ;  then  he  played  you  out  of 
yourself. 


90       THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER. 

AUDIS. 
He  is  innocent ;  my  mother  will  prove  it ! 

ALL. 

We  have  proofs  of  his  guilt!  See  this  knife,  this 
string,  this  key,  this  picture !  (Showing  the  articles  to 
Audis.*)  Your  picture! 

AUDIS. 
(With  inner  realization.} 

Now  do  I  see  it  all  so  clearly.  Now  do  I  know  what 
gift  he  has.  You  have  not  valued  aright  the  worthy 
guest  who  dwelt  among  you.  You  feared  him  because 
he  played  you  up  the  mountain.  You  are  the  half 
awake,  the  partly  living,  the  crippled  beings !  You  go 
about  in  your  daily  habits  as  though  they  were  shrouds 
that  should  follow  you  into  the  grave ! 

ALL. 

(With  threats.) 
How  dare  you  mock  our  lowly  station  ? 

AUDIS. 

How  dare  I  tell  you  what  I  see  ?  Black  are  your  hearts 
with  prejudice  and  wild  your  souls  with  fear  and  hate. 
The  beautiful  bloom  of  the  hills  is  downtrodden  by 
the  flocks  that  come  to  graze  and  are  frightened  by 


THE  WOMAN"  AKD  THE  FIDDLER        91 

their  own  shadow.  The  song  birds  are  shot  by  the 
hunters  when  they  fly  too  high  for  the  bird  tamers. 
The  melody  of  peace  is  broken  by  the  shriek  of  ghosts, 
the  ghosts  of  your  evil  conscience.  A  soul  clear  as 
crystal,  reflecting  the  colors  of  the  sun,  is  splashed  over 
with  blood ! 

SEVERAL. 

(Among  themselves.} 

She  is  dreaming dreaming!     She  is  under  his 

chraldom ! 

AUDIS. 

Am  I  dreaming?  Don't  you  know  that  dreams  are 
real  ?  We  are  bound  to  them  by  a  myriad  of  unseen 
tendrils  from  nature's  secret  being.  Have  you  not 
heard  the  dreams  calling  to  you  from  the  woods  and  the 
mountains  and  the  falling  waters  ?  (The  peasants  draw 
back  alarmed.) 

SEVERAL. 

She  is  under  his  spell ! 

Call  the  Pastor,  he  alone  can  free  her  from  his  thral- 
dom! 

God  have  pity  upon  her !    She's  so  young ! 

(The  peasants  disperse.  Audis  steps  down  from  the 
bench.} 

AUDIS. 
(To  herself.} 

Now  is  he  saved !  He  has  reached  the  beautiful 
temple  of  peace,  where  they  dare  not  follow  him ! 


92        THE  WOMA!ST  AND  THE  FIDDLER. 

(Eyolf  and  Trygve,  who  have  been  standing  in  the 
background,  step  forth.) 

EYOLF. 
(To  Audis.) 
You  think  but  of  him? 

TEYGVE. 
Have  you  forgotten  us? 

AUDIS. 

(Bewildered  l>y  her  own  feelings.) 
Until  tins  day,  until  this  moment 

EYOLF. 

You  loved  us  ? 

AUDIS. 

I  see  his  wild  eyes  and  bleeding  cheek.     He   has 

sacrificed  his  life  to  spare  me !     I  must  go 1  must 

find  him! 

EYOLF. 
You  shall  not  go !    You  are  beside  yourself ! 

TRYGVE. 
You  are  under  the  swav  of  his  enchantment ! 


THE  WOMAN  AISTD  THE  FIDDLEK        93 

AUDIS. 

(Mysteriously.) 
You  do  iiot  understand ;  he  has  given  me  a  little  bird ! 

EYOLF. 

Was  it  his  little  bird  that  sang  in  you  when  you 
stood  up  there  painting  the  visions  beautiful? 

TRYGVE. 
Have  you  forgotten  ?    We  saved  you  from  the  abyss ! 

AUDIS. 
(To  herself.) 
It  did  not  want  to  die ! 

EYOLF. 

And  we  do  not  want  the  beautiful  young  love  to  die ! 
We  will  gather  all  the  threads  you've  spun,  and  wear 
the  cloak  of  fantasy.  We  will  love  you  above  and 
beyond  the  bargaining!  We  will  abstain  from  all,  ex- 
cept the  intangible  stuff  of  your  dreams ! 

TEYGVE. 

We  will  bow  to  you  as  the  first,  sweet  love  that 
teaches  us  beauty  and  sorrow;  and  never  question  the 
mystery  by  which  our  souls  are  bound. 


94:       THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER. 

AUDIS. 
You  have  changed? 

EYOLF. 
The  fires  of  your  soul  have  forged  us  into  men ! 

AUDIS. 
Then  it  is  true,  there  are  no  walls  in  love's  mansion  ? 

EYOLF. 

We  are  not  ourselves,  but  the  long  ages  of  love,  puls- 
ing in  our  poor,  imprisoned  hearts,  in  our  poor,  walled 
bodies ! 

TEYGVE. 

You  have  taught  us  the  tenderness  they  feel  who 
discover  that  life  is  a  blind,  unreasoning  mistress ! 

AUDIS. 

What  tenderness  have  you  for  him  who  is  wounded  in 
the  breast  ? 

EYOLF. 

(Approaching  Audis.) 
You  have  seen  his  baro  breast? 


THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER.        95 

AUDIS. 

(Evading  him.) 
His  very  soul! 

EYOLF. 
You  are  his  little  bird  ? 

AUDIS. 
And  they  will  kill  me  soon ! 

EYOLF. 

(To  Trygve.) 
She  loves !  , 

TBYGVE. 
He's  won! 

Arois. 

Oh,  let  me  go  to  him ;  I  only  want  to  give  him  back 
the  little  bird !  If  only  some  one  does  not  shoot  me 
in  the  breast ! 

EYOLF. 
Pear  not !    We  will  guard  your  path. 


96       THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  EIDDLER. 

TRYGVE. 

We  will  clear  the  way  to  love's  temple ! 

(Eyolf  and  Trygve  make  signs  to  each  other  and  go.) 

ATTDTS. 
(.To  herself.) 

They  will  clear  the  way  to  love's  temple!  Love  is 
victorious!  I  go  to  crown  his  death  with  sweetest 
victory ! 

REBECCA. 

(Appears,  looking  with  horror  at  Audis.) 
You  go  to  him? 

AUDIS. 
He  shall  sleep  in  my  arms! 

REBECCA. 
(With  increasing  anguish.) 

Do  you  know  what  you  have  done?  You  have  had 
him  in  our  house  this  day !  You  have  taken  him  from 
her! 

AUDIS. 
From  whom  ? 


THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLEK.        97 

REBECCA. 

From  Ravna!    You  filled  her  with  false  hopes  and 
wishes;  when  she  heard  that  you  had  taken  him 

AUDIS. 
Ravna  loved  Thorild  ? 

REBECCA. 
He  alone  could  have  saved  her !    Now  she  is  dead ! 

ATJDIS. 
Dead? 

REBECCA. 

Dead  for  the  love  of  him! 

ATJDIS. 
(Her  hands  folded  rigidly.} 

I  had  built  a  bridge  of  dreams;  it  should  lead  to 
heaven. 

REBECCA. 
It  has  led  to  the  jaws  of  death ! 


98       THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER. 

AUDIS. 
The  bridge  is  breaking breaking ! 

REBECCA. 
Your  sin  is  mighty. 

AUDIS. 
(Rambling.) 

Do  not  judge  me,  mother.  You  have  sat  within  the 
white  walls  and  had  God  with  you !  I  have  wandered 
so  far  and  so  high !  I  am  dizzy ! 

(She  sinks  to  her  Icnees,  Tier  head  upon  the  bench.) 

REBECCA. 
There  is  only  One  who  can  save  you! 

AUDIS. 

I  long  to  see  Him,  to  hear  Him,  to  touch  Him  who 
is  merciful ! 

REBECCA. 
(Gratefully.) 

He  has  heard  my  prayers ;  His  will  be  done !  I  go 
to  confess,  to  make  peace,  to  pay  the  penalty!  (Re- 
becca goes  with  bended  head  as  one  praying  in  silence.) 


THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER.        99 

Aums. 
(To  herself.') 

It  is  all  blade.  Now  must  I  bury  you,  little  bird! 
Deep  in  the  earth  where  you  cannot  feel  the  sun.  Then 
let  them  pile  the  heavy  stones  upon  us;  we  have  borne 
something  upon  our  hearts  which  is  heavier  than  stone. 

Oh,  love,  let  me  touch  thy  eyes  and  lips, 

I  am  blind,  blind,  blind ! 

Touch  my  soul  with  a  soothing  kiss, 

I  am  walled  and  know  not  what  I  seek! 

It  is  dark  where  death  doth  come ! 

(Audis  fumbles  about.  Music  is  heard  from  the 
mountains.) 

A  VOICE  FROM  THE  WOODS. 

Come,  little  bird !  You  shall  hear  what  the  moun- 
tains say  with  their  hoods  of  ice  like  blue  goblins  in  the 
snow ! 

AUDIS. 
(To  herself.) 
The  mountains  are  calling  me ! 

THE  VOICE. 

Come,  you  shall  hear  what  the  waters  say  that  spring 
through  rocks! 


100      THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER 

AUDIS. 
Do  you  not  know  we  belong  to  the  grave  ? 

THE  VOICE. 
The  little  bird  is  not  dead ;  it  will  sing  up  there ! 

AUDIS. 
Tell  me  more  of  the  life  that  knows  no  pain ! 

THE  VOICE. 
The  little  bird  must  be  free ! 

AUDIS. 
(Enchanted.) 

Thorild !    He  lives !    I  hear  his  song !    I  go !    I  come ! 

(Audis  goes  toward  the  mountains.  The  mist  thickens 
in  the  valley.  The  peasants  appear  in  confusion,  chas- 
ing Hulda.) 

SEVERAL. 

(To  Hulda.) 

Go — go  your  way!  We  want  no  more  of  your  ugly 
prophecies !  'Tis  she  has  brewed  the  mischief  for  us 
all!  We've  seen  her  on  the  graveyard  late  at  night. 
She's  tried  to  tempt  the  fiddler  with  a  crust  of  bread. 
She's  loved  him  secretly,  that  ugly  hag ! 

HULDA. 

(Pleading.) 
Why  did  he  come  and  stir  me  up  ?    I  starved  myself 


THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  TIDDLER.       101 

to  give  him  bread :  but  when  he  learned  it  was  my  hand 
that  fed  him,  he  would  have  none  of  me! 

AN  OLD  PEASANT. 

Bebecca  Keen  has  proved  the  fiddler  innocent.  She 
spoke  with  terror  in  her  voice.  She  spoke  to  make  us 
think.  Woe  to  him  who  has  shot  the  fiddler  and  sent 
him  to  the  mountain  top  to  die ! 

THE  STRANGER. 

I  am  he!  I  came  to  find  her!  I  saw  his  power 
displayed.  I  saw  her  shadow  in  the  mist.  I  rushed 
upon  him  on  the  very  precipice !  But  he  escaped  from 
out  my  clutch!  I  followed  him  from  rock  to  rock! 
We  leapt  for  life  or  death!  I  shot  and  struck  him  in 
the  breast! 

ALL. 
Who  are  you  ? 

THE  STRANGER. 

I  am  one  that  sinned  in  my  youth.  (He  removes  his 
hat.) 

ALL. 

You  are  the  Pastor's  brother! 

THE  STRANGER. 

I  have  lost  her!  (A  procession  appears.  Several 
carry  a  stretcher  on  which  Ravna  lies  wrapped  in  a 
white  sheet.  They  go  into  the  house  singing.) 


102      THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER. 

In  Ola  valley,  by  Ola  tarn, 

There  Ravna's  laddie  is  lost  and  gone ; 

They  rang  in  the  valley,  they  chimed  in  the  glen; 

But  never  she  found  her  laddie  again ! 

(The  church  bells  are  heard  faintly  in  the  distance. 
A  strange  white  light  is  suddenly  seen  to  fall  from,  the 
mountain  and  pierce  the  mist.} 


ALL,. 

(Kneeling.) 
A  miracle!     The  light  of  God! 

THE  STRANGER. 

We  are  the  children  of  darkness,  imprisoned  so  as 
to  be  liberated,  mystified  so  as  to  be  revealed.  Does 
not  the  light  of  the  invisible  penetrate  the  very  depths 
of  our  being?  Does  it  not  force  itself  beyond  our 
heavy  eyelids?  Come  with  me  upon  the  mountains, 
and  all  things  shall  be  made  clear  to  you ! 

(The  Stranger  and  the  peasants  are  seen  groping 
their  way  through  the  mist  to  the  mountains.  The 
mist  gradually  thickens  about  them  and  they  are 
lost  to  sight.  The  music  of  the  invisible  grows  more 
powerful.  After  a  few  moments,  the  mountain  peaks 
come  to  vieiv.  Audis  is  seen  approaching  the  place 
where  Thorild  lies  dying.) 


THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER.      103 

AUDIS. 
Thorild,  I  have  come! 

THOEILD. 
My  hands  are  torn. 

AUDIS. 
They  are  beautiful  as  red  roses  in  the  snow. 

THOEILD. 
My  strength  is  broken. 

AUDIS. 
So  is  the  wind  that  strikes  the  cliffs. 

THOEILD. 
How  did  you  come  ? 

AUDIS. 

A  sweet  music  led  me. 

THOEILD. 
Others  have  been  drawn  by  that  silent  music. 

AUDIS. 
My  poor  father,  tell  me  his  secret. 

THORILD. 
She  poisoned  his  soul  and  that  of  another. 


104      THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER. 

AUDIS. 
My  mother  loved  another? 

THORILD. 
(Nodding.) 

They  wrestled  on  the  mountain ;  and  your  father  was 
the  stronger. 

ATJDIS. 

My  father  followed  him? 

THORILD. 
(Nodding.) 

I  heard  him  pray  that  when  he  awakened  all  the 
horror  would  be  a  dream,  and  his  dream  of  life  be  true ! 

ATJDIS. 
Do  you  think  he  has  awakened  ? 

THORILD. 
I  saw  him  radiant ! 

AUDIS. 

Thorild,  I  go  with  you.  You've  saved  me  from  a 
sinful  love ! 

THORILD. 
Have  you  no  fear?     I  am  deformed. 


THE  WOMAN  AND  THE  FIDDLER.       105 

AUDIS. 

My  soul  is  filled  with  you.  All  I  have  thought  and 
felt  is  yours.  You  are  the  music  in  my  life. 

THORILD. 
Then  come,  I  go !     (He  dies.) 

ATJDIS. 
(Rising.) 

I  hear  the  music  and  it  bears  us  up !  We  touch  the 
clouds,  for  we  are  passing  o'er  the  bridge !  The  heavens 
open  to  receive  us  both!  (She  reaches  out  to  one  in- 
visible.) I  feel  your  hands,  and  I  am  filled  with  mist! 
(She  sinks  down  upon  Thorild.  A  little  bird  is  seen 
to  fly  from  her  bosom.  It  soars  upward  and  sings. 
Eyolf  and  Trygve  appear.) 

EYOLF. 
(Bending  over  her.) 

We  come  too  late;  he's  taken  her!  He  was  the  big, 
black  bird  that  called  her  home! 

TRYGVE. 

She  was  a  bird  that  flapped  her  wings  against  the 
invisible  walls  of  life's  dwelling! 

CURTAIN. 


The  Creditor 


Fordringsagare 


A  Psychological  Study  of  the  Divorce  Question  by  the 
Swedish  Master 

AUGUST  STRINDBERG 

Author  of  "Froken  Julie,"  "Swanwhite," 
"Father,"  "Motherlove,"  etc. 

Translated  from  the  Swedish  by  FRANCIS  J.  ZIEGLER 


Cloth,  $1.00  net.    Postage,  8  Cents 


Amid  that  remarkable  group  of  one-act  plays,  which 
embodies  August  Strindberg's  maturest  work  as  a  play- 
wright, the  tragic  comedy  "Fordringsagare"  (THE 
CREDITOR),  occupies  a  prominent  place. 

"Fordringsagare"  was  produced  for  the  first  time  in 
1889,  when  it  was  given  at  Copenhagen  as  a  substitute 
for  "Froken  Julie,"  the  performance  of  which  was  for- 
bidden by  the  censor.  Four  years  later  Berlin  audiences 
made  its  acquaintance,  since  when  it  has  remained  the 
most  popular  of  Strindberg's  plays  in  Germany. 

BROWN  BROTHERS,  Publishers 

N.  E.  Cor.  Fifth  and  Pine  Streets,  Philadelphia 


SWANWHITE 

A  KAIRY  DRAM: A 

BY  AUGUST   STRINDBERG 


Translated  by  FRANCIS  J.  ZIEGLER 


PRINTED  ON  DECKLE  EDGE  PAPER  AND  ATTRACTIVELY  BOUND 
IN  CLOTH 


$1.00  net,  Postage  8  Cents 


A  Poetic  Idyl,  which  is  charming  in  its  sweet  purity,  delightful  in  its 
optimism,  elusive  in  its  complete  symbolism,  but  wholesome  in  its  message 
that  pure  love  can  conquer  evil. 

So  out  of  the  cold  North,  out  of  the  mouth  of  the  world's  most  terrible 
misogynists,  comes  a  strange  message — one  which  is  as  sweet  as  it  is  unex- 
pected. And  August  Strindberg,  the  enemy  of  love,  sings  that  pure  love 
is  all  powerful  and  all-conquering.— SPRINGFIELD,  MASS., 
REPUBLICAN. 


It  is  worth  while  to  have  all  of  the  plays  of  such  a  great  dramatist  in 
our  English  tongue.  Since  the  death  of  Ibsen  he  is  the  chief  of  the 
Scandinavians.  .  .  The  publishers  deserve  thanks  and  support  foi'  their 
enterprise.  There  has  long  existed  a  need  for  just  such  an  edition  of  con- 
temporary foreign  plays.  .  .  ."—THE  SUN,  Baltimore. 


"  An  idyllic  play,  filled  with  romantic  machinery  of  the  Northern  fairy 
tales  and  legends,  ...  It  belongs  to  a  class  by  itself.  .  .  ." — 
PHILADELPHIA  RECORD. 

BROWN  BROTHERS,  Publishers 

N.  E.  Cor.  Fifth  and  Pine  Streets,  Philadelphia 


NEW  EDITION  JUST  OUT 

The  Awakening  of  Spring 

A  TRAGEDY  OF  CHILDHOOD 

BY 

FRANK  WEDEKIND 

A  drama  dealing-  with  the  sex  question  in  its  relationship 
to  the  education  of  children 

Cloth,  gilt  top,  deckle  edge,  $1.25  net.    By  mail,  $1.35 

Here  is  a  play  which  on  its  production  caused  a  sensation 
in  German}-,  and  can  without  exaggeration  be  described  as 
remarkable.  These  studies  of  adolescence  are  as  impressive  as 
they  are  unique. — The  Athenaeum,  London. 

The  dialogue  is  extraordinarily  fresh  and  actual,  and  the 
short,  varying  glimpses  that  place  the  characters  and  the  situation 
before  you  are  vivid  as  life  itself.  The  book  is  not  one  to  be 
read  lightly  nor  lightly  to  be  set  aside.  It  has  a  message  that 
may  well  be  learned  here  as  elsewhere,  and  it  witnesses  to  a 
high  purpose  in  its  author  and  to  a  brave  spirit. — New  York 
Times  Saturday  Review. 

In  "The  Awakening  of  'Spring"  we  have  German  realism  at 
its  boldest.  Nearly  all  the  characters  of  the  play  are  children, 
and  its  action  revolves  about  that  groping  for  knowledge,  par- 
ticularly upon  certain  forbidden  subjects,  which  conies  with  end 
of  childhood. 

It  must  be  said  of  Wedekind  that  he  is  nowhere  gross.  His 
object  in  writing  the  play  was  to  arouse  German  parents  just 
as  Edward  Bok  is  trying  to  arouse  the  mothers  of  America,  and 
he,  has  succeeded.  He  is  one  of  the  most  accomplished  of  the 
younger  Germans.  His  work  shows  profound  thought. — The 
Sun,  Baltimore. 


BROWN  BROTHERS,  PUBLISHERS 
N.  E.  Cor.  Fifth  and  Pine  Streets,  Philadelphia 


A  DILEMMA 

A  STORY  OF  MENTAL  PERPLEXITY 

By  LKONIDAS  ANDREIYEFF 

Translated  from  the  Russian  by  JOHN  COURNOS 


Cloth,  75  Cents  net.    Postage,  7  Cents 


A  remarkable  analysis  of  mental  subtleties  as  experi- 
enced by  a  man  who  is  uncertain  as  to  whether  or  not 
he  is  insane.  A  story  that  is  Poe-like  in  its  intensity  and 
full  of  grim  humor. 

One  of  the  most  interesting  literary  studies  of  crime 
since  Dostoieffsky's  "Crime  and  Punishment." — Chicago 
Evening  Post. 

A  grim  and  powerful  study  by  that  marvelous  Russian, 
Leonidas  Andreiyeff. —  The  Smart  Set. 

Leonidas  Andreiyeff  is  a  writer  who  bites  deep  into 
life.  In  him  Slavic  talent  for  introspection  is  remarkably 
developed.  Poetic,  powerfully  imaginative,  master  of 
stark  simplicity,  he  has  written  stories  stamped  with  the 
seal  of  genius.  Andreiyeff  is  an  O.  Henry,  plus  the 
divine  fire. — Boston  Daily  Advertiser. 

BROWN  BROTHERS,  Publishers 

N.  E.  Cor.  Fifth  and  Pine  Streets,  Philadelphia 


MODERN   AUTHORS'   SERIES 

Under  this  title  appear  from  time  to  time  short  stories  and  dramas, 
chiefly  translations  from  the  works  of  modern  European  authors, 
each  containing  from  32  1064  pages.  Printed  in  large,  clear  type 
and  tastefully  bound  in  gray  boards  with  paper  label.  Price  of 
each  volume,  25c.  net.  By  mail,  2pc.  Five  Volumes  nowReady: 

**  Q*l  "  By  LEONIDAS  ANDREIYEFF 

tjllCn.CC          Translated  from  the  Russian.    Second  Edition 

An  unusual  short  story,  that    reads  like  a  poem  in  prose,  by  the 
leading  exponent  of  the  new  Russian  school  of  novelists 


"Motherlove 


By  AUGUST  STRINDBERG 
Translated  from  the  Swedish 


An  example  of  Strindberg's  power  as  analyst  of  human  nature.   A 

one-act  play  in  which  the  dramatist  lays  bare  the 

weakness  of  a  human  soul 

"A  Red  Flower" 

By  VSEVOLOD  GARSHIN 

A  powerful  short  story  by  one   of    Russia's    popular    authors, 
unknown  as  yet  to  the  English-speaking  public 

"The  Grisley  Suitor" 

By  FRANK  WEDEKIND 
Author  of  "THE  AWAKENING  OF  SPRING."  etc. 

Translated  from  the  German 

An  excellent  story  of  the  De-Maupassant  type 
BY  THE  SAME  AUTHOR 

"Rabbi  Ezra."    "The  Victim" 

Two  Sketches  Characteristic  of  the  Pen  of  this  Noted  German  Author 
OTHER  VOLUMES  IN  PREPARATION 


BROWN  BROTHERS,  PUBLISHERS 
N.  E.  Cor.  Fifth  and  Pine  Streets,  Philadelphia 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 

Los  Angeles 

This  book  is  DUE  on  the  last  date  stamped  below. 


Form  L9-Series  4939 


•Hi; 


